Finding and Connecting to Public Access Points

Wireless hot spots are places you can go to get connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. There are thousands throughout the United States and the world. Major U.S. cities have many spots available already, and more will be added over the next few years.

Starbucks is one company that has made a concerted effort to make all its cafés Wi-Fi friendly (and free). Next time you want a cup of joe and a romp on the Net, go to Starbucks or your favorite wireless java house, or even one of your favorite book stores.

Caution

When connecting to public hot spots, make sure all file sharing is turned off. You may also want to have Internet Connection Sharing enabled on your wireless connection (discussed more in Chapter 11).

To find hot spots near you, visit one of the following sites:

• www.80211hotspots.com

• www.nodedb.com

• www.t-mobile.com/hotspot/default.asp?nav=hm

• www.ezgoal.com/hotspots/wireless

Each of these sites list hot spots around the United States, and the first two list sites around the world. If you want to connect to a hot spot in your area, look it up.

T-Mobile currently has the greatest number of hot spots in the world. T-Mobile offers several plans for regular hot-spot users, including annual, monthly, prepaid, and pay-per-use plans. Plus, T-Mobile has set up the hot spots in Starbucks and Borders book stores, so you will have lots of choices.